Introduction
The Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) have been combating dangerous and often deadly runaway fires since 1999.
With 150 members at two stations (Newlands and Jonkershoek), the VWS has assisted the Table Mountain National Park and surrounding areas with some of the wildest fires Cape Town has ever experienced.
Baptised by fire through the devastating fires in Cape Town during the year 2000, the VWS is now a highly organised Section 21 Company that continues to grow in reputation and stature.
We work closely with other emergency service organisations in wild-land fire management such as Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town Fire & Emergency Services, CapeNature, Disaster Management, Titan Aviation, UT Air, Winelands Fire Brigade, the South African Navy and Working on Fire.
As at 13 May 2010, the Volunteer Wildfire Services has achieved over 26,000 active duty fire fighting hours between it’s members. The VWS will continue with the goal of saving lives, property and South Africa’s natural heritage.
What We Do
The VWS has three primary functions:
- Wildfire suppression services
- Education and awareness programmes
- Wildfire suppression and management training
- Prescribed burning
- Tree and vegetation felling
- Education programmes and projects at schools
- Community projects
How We Operate
On standby to respond to fires and emergencies 24 hours a day for 365 days of the year – that’s how we work.
Our typical response time to fire call outs (emergencies) is approximately 20 – 40 minutes depending on the situation.
Our volunteers are just that – volunteers. They are extraordinary people who give of their time and energy to protect lives, property and our natural heritage. Most have day jobs, some are students, others run their own companies – but all are dedicated, motivated and highly-trained to ensure that our ultimate goal of wildfire suppression is taken care of.
Departments
There are various departments within the Volunteer Wildfire Services that operate dependently to ensure the smooth running of our unit. These departments include:
- Fire Fighters
- Drivers
- Control Room
- Planning and Mobile Planning
- Logistics
- Emergency Medical Care
- Technical & Mechanical Services
- Media Team
- Catering
- Administration and Member Services
Funding
The VWS receives funding from 2 critical corporate partners as well as numerous projects. This funding allows us to operate and manage ourselves independently.
We are always on the lookout for additional funding that will allow us to further serve the community. See How to Help.
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